The Vagabond was the favoured alias of a famous nineteenth-century journalist whose real name was John Stanley James, but who also disguised himself as Julian Thomas and other pseudonyms. Under such guises, he infiltrated Melbourne institutions, and took employment in humble capacities, where he could observe their daily operations from the inside. This undercover technique had its critics, but enabled the Vagabond to reveal many abuses commonly perpetrated on the underclass. His reports often led to important reforms and a degree of social justice for the poor, the unemployed, and the unfortunate. No dweller in an ivory tower, the Vagabond always went to see for himself, and that remains his chief lesson for today.-Back cover.

Includes index.